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Currently, most regulations governing the connection to the grid for this type of system (UNE 217002:2020 in Spain) require solar inverters to shut down when the network voltage is outside the established limits.

In unstable networks, this results in unwanted stoppages at the photovoltaic facility, with the consequent loss of power generation and a reduction in the useful life of the solar inverters.

Owing to the fact that, in the vast majority of cases, the surplus energy generated is injected into the grid (with the aim of receiving financial compensation), bidirectional devices are required in order to ensure that the operation is carried out with optimum levels of voltage. Consequently, traditional voltage stabilisers cannot be used, as they are unidirectional and therefore unable to carry reverse current. Nor is it feasible to adjust the inverter in order to allow it to continue operating under extreme voltage conditions, as this would constitute a breach of regulations and expose the loads to serious danger.

The new regulators in the VR EQX range continuously record the network voltage and, based on the voltage values, manage it electronically via quick and precise jumps in voltage within the short window of time that most countries stipulate for connection to the national grid. Thus, the regulators are immediately able to ensure a supply of high-quality power.

This bidirectional voltage regulator is available in single-phase and three-phase models, with the latter providing independent regulation for each of the phases. Additionally, it is compatible with all of the brands and models of grid-connected solar inverters that are available on the market.

Applications

The VR EQX range is chiefly aimed at grid-connected solar photovoltaic self-consumption facilities where the company’s main power line is subject to a certain amount of voltage instability.

For various reasons, it is often difficult to carry out preliminary studies of the power grid in order to anticipate the presence of critical variations in voltage. Consequently, the VR EQX series is an excellent back-up for the operations of installation and engineering firms or specialist distributors, as it provides a solution for existing facilities that are suffering from these issues as well as an advance solution that can be applied during the planning stage.